Life has a way of introducing the most beautiful things and people when you least expect it. I first met Amanda, the Surfing Coconut Lady, at a birthday party where she had set up her delightful “Coconut Bar.” As a fellow coconut enthusiast, I was immediately drawn to her vibrant setup. After a brief chat, we agreed to meet again for an interview once I returned from my trip abroad.
Time flew by, and soon, I found myself driving to the beach to catch up with Amanda. It was the end of May, and the Wednesday market by the beach was in full swing. With her bright energy, Amanda welcomed me without any small talk and dove straight into her exciting plans. She was preparing to travel across the United States in her van, Disco Disco, hitting festivals from Maryland to Ohio and Alabama.
“I want to quench the thirst of festival-goers while embracing the joy of these events,” she said. Festivals provide the perfect opportunity for Amanda to keep people hydrated, especially in places where coconuts are rare. "I just want to be around happiness and good vibes," she explained. "That's why I started this adventure—to hydrate people and spread happiness."
Intrigued by her story, I finally asked, "So, how did the Coconut story start?" Amanda’s eyes lit up as she began to recount her journey. It all started with a ukulele trip to Costa Rica, where she was captivated by the vibrant culture and amazing people, all while savoring the delicious taste of coconuts.
Her love for coconuts only grew during her time on the West Coast and in Hawaii, where coconuts were a staple. Through her travels, she discovered that her favorite coconuts were Thai, prized for their superior taste and nutritional value, thanks to their nutrient-rich soil.
Before embracing her coconut venture, Amanda owned a food trailer and competed in barbecue competitions. She even ran a Hawaiian food trailer, serving tropical dishes packed with pineapple and other island ingredients. When she moved to Florida, she had grand plans to set up her trailer on the beach, but local regulations thwarted her dream.
Undeterred, Amanda took a job traveling and performing live cooking shows at large festivals. But then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing everything to a standstill. Amanda pivoted back to her passion for coconuts, but only one show left on her schedule. She used her earnings to start a coconut business on the beach. "I had all the permits and knew where to get the coconuts I wanted," she said. She invested in a logo, sourced her products, and sold coconuts on the beach.
Now, Amanda travels with her coconuts, hydrating and embracing people with her light energy, bright smile, and genuinely bohemian spirit. She’s also a staunch advocate for sustainability, avoiding plastic straws, especially near beaches. Instead, she uses biodegradable, organic straws, currently favoring vanilla-flavored edible ones that are both practical and eco-friendly.
Amanda's journey is of resilience, passion, and a desire to spread joy. Her transition from running a food trailer to becoming the Surfing Coconut Lady showcases her adaptability and commitment to her dream. Through her coconuts, she hydrates people and brings a piece of tropical paradise wherever she goes.
For more on Amanda and her coconut adventures, check out her website and Instagram:
Website: https://surfingcoconut.com
Photos: iruphotos.com
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